Why can't AdWords do this?

[abbottsys]

I'm developing an iPhone app. Not a web app, but a native iPhone app. It would be nice if this app could display AdWords ads. But, as far as I know Google does not offer a "true" AdWords API, that is, an API that does *not* require a browser to render the results. Anybody know of one? This seems like a simple basic request. Why can't AdWords do this?

[AdWordsRep]

I'm developing an iPhone app. Not a web app, but a native iPhone app. It would be nice if this app could display AdWords ads. But, as far as I know Google does not offer a "true" AdWords API, that is, an API that does *not* require a browser to render the results. Anybody know of one? This seems like a simple basic request. Why can't AdWords do this?

I will happily pass your comment/question along in the Advertiser Feedback Report, abbottsys - although I am not able to promise 'an answer'.

It's now copy/pasted safely into the 'QUOTES: SEW / ADWORDS FORUM' section of the report. ;)

AWR

<added> Hey! I just hit 600 posts! (Not that I am milestone driven or anything.) ;) </added>

[abbottsys]

AWR - Thanks for passing this along in the AFR. Perhaps it will find an advocate within Google. Gotta start thinking "outside the browser".

Oh, and congrats on reaching 600!!!!

[Baylow]

I can't imagine this is very good for advertisers. Consider the following ways in which your ad can get clicked with no hope of conversion:

User falls off (crashes) between programs
User is turned off by involuntary opening of another program
User isn't even in the buying cycle


Also consider how this will be abused by malware.. the possibilities are horrifying both from a user's perspective and an advertiser's

[abbottsys]

There are several reasons Google should consider this "next generation" API (described in my original post)..

1) iPhone apps represent new ad distribution channels.

2) A click on an iPhone ad may not mean a visit to a website, it may mean a phone call.

3) The browser is limites, and controlled by the competition who could use it to their strategic advantage.

If Google doesn't ponder this next generation API, then maybe a "next Google" will ;)